Who you can help – Ivy’s story.

Ivy was just ten years old when she learnt that the cause of her severe headaches was an optic glioma brain tumour. This devastating diagnosis changed both her life and that of her family in an instant.

They were told that without treatment, Ivy had just a matter of weeks to live. So she was immediately taken to The Great North Children’s Hospital where she was treated with steroids and given a brain biopsy.

Further surgeries followed and Ivy was fitted with a portacath and a VP shunt, to help drain fluid from her brain. In September 2024 she started a 70-week course of chemotherapy to keep the tumour stable.

“Chemo makes Ivy feel sick and wipes her out for a couple of days afterwards. Fatigue is a problem generally and she now uses a wheelchair if she has to walk any distance.”

“The Kids’ Cancer Kit that Ivy received from Cancer Support UK when she was feeling particularly down was a welcome pick-me-up, especially the Warmies® sensory dog, which Ivy has named Hazel. It’s a great favourite, which accompanies her to hospital every week and provides enormous comfort during chemo sessions.

“Every moment of joy given to Ivy means a great deal. Thank you so much from Ivy and myself to everyone who donated towards the Kit.”

This Christmas, you can bring joy to a child like Ivy. Your gift will help us send Kids’ Cancer Kits to children spending the festive season in hospital. Please donate today and fill a kit with comfort, hope, and care.